2022 GMC Yukon: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 248 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, electrical, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 248
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 4
- 7 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2022 GMC Yukon: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Yukon is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 GMC Yukon. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 16 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 22–23 mpg |
- The 2022 GMC Yukon was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Yukon that averages well under the EPA 16 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Engine seizure or power loss
12,577–66,000 miles
Transmission valve body failure
21,750–65,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 GMC Yukon, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine1261 crash
Sudden loss of power at highway speed is the main complaint. The engine shuts off or seizes, the transmission drops into neutral, and some vehicles will not restart or shift into park. Dealers find metal shavings in the oil and failed main crank thrust bearings, mostly on the 6.2L. Failures show up between about 12,577 and 66,000 miles. Others report heavy oil use. Many reports involve Recall 25V-274. Some engines passed the dealer test and failed later, some replacement engines burned oil, and some owners are still waiting for a remedy. One crash with an injury is reported.
Most of these reports cite Campaign 25V274000. Where a failure happened, the engine loses power and stalls at speed, sometimes after an oil warning, knocking, or loud pops, and then will not restart. Dealers find connecting rod bearing failure, lifter and camshaft damage, or metal fragments, and call for a new engine. Other owners report frequent low-oil warnings and topping off oil. A large share have had no failure yet but cannot get the recall repair because parts are not available.
Electrical34No crashes
Many filings here are really engine failures: sudden shutdowns on the highway, seized engines, and connecting rod bearing failures, often tied to the L87 6.2L recall. The true electrical complaints center on OnStar telematics modules that stop working, which cuts automatic crash notification and remote access. Owners also describe batteries that die with no cause found, a digital gauge cluster that goes black, a dead driver-side headlight and turn signal after a recall repair, and a sunroof that leaks onto the electronics. Four injuries are reported.
Transmission31No crashes
Two failures dominate. The engine loses power or seizes at highway speed, often dropping into neutral, and many owners link it to the 6.2L recall. Transmission valve body failures are the second pattern. Symptoms include limp mode, no reverse, no shifts past 2nd gear, and harsh shifts that lock the rear tires. Valve body failures appear between 21,750 and 65,000 miles. Replacement valve bodies are on national backorder, and owners report waits of more than 10 weeks. Some engine failures start with a ticking noise.
Steering8No crashes
Power steering can cut out without warning, sometimes along with a burst of warning messages for suspension and airbags. In one case this happened many times and was blamed on a faulty serial gateway module. Other owners report a sudden total loss of steering. A knocking and snapping noise from the front suspension in turns keeps coming back after dealer repairs. Single reports describe a tie rod detaching at 65 mph and a driveline part falling off after a rear differential repair.
Fuel system5No crashes
The vehicle stalls at highway speed with no warning and often will not restart. Dealers blame a fuel pump control module. Owners note that a recall covers 2021 models but not this year, and they report that parts are unavailable. Some stalled vehicles cannot be shifted into neutral, which makes it hard to get them off the road or towed. Diesel owners describe fuel leaking from the top of the tank at nearly every fill-up, and the dealer could not find the source.
Wipers and visibility5No crashes
The windshield wipers stop working while driving in rain, whether rain sensing is on or off. Restarting the vehicle or waiting a few minutes sometimes brings them back, but in some cases they stay dead. The fault comes back at random, which makes it hard for dealers to reproduce, and some vehicles have returned for repeat visits. Owners say night driving in heavy rain is when it is most dangerous.
Suspension4No crashes
Air ride problems lead this category. A "service leveling system" warning appears, then the front end sags and bounces on highways and bridges because the passenger-side air bag keeps failing. Another owner reports a "vehicle too high" warning that locks out the height controls. Owners also hear knocking and snapping from the front suspension in turns, which one dealer traced to loose bolts. Service suspension and check engine warnings come and go, and repeat dealer visits are common.
Airbags31 crash
Airbag warnings show up together with a dead roof console. When the "service safety restraint system" message appears, the airbags are reported inoperative, and the sunroof, overhead lights, rear hatch button, and garage opener stop working. One dealer ordered a replacement roof console that was still on order after 2 months. A separate crash report with 2 injuries says the airbags did not deploy in an impact at about 30-35 mph.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Yukon owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Hi there ., driving on the highway Ling island express way NYC ., car suddenly came to a complete stop due a engine failure., dealer saids engine sieze ., luckup it self ., it was not a good experience and very dangerous., to make matters worse., it happened twice ., first at 45k miles then with the second engine at 110k miles ., both identical lockup. Each time having to liave the car for over 6 weeks ., also i work with my car ., no car no money.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
Car consuming too much oil, engine oil very low every 2000 miles. GM claims that 2000 is acceptable but new oil should go to 4000 at the least. Will not do anything to the engine or pistons and claim that car has too many engine hours due to idling which I do not do. They are unwilling to fix this problem, been dealing with them for over a year and my warranty is about to expire. There are many complaints online about this same issue.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
While driving 75 on the highway the vehicle shut off completely, shifted to neutral and a message flashed on the dashboard to "press start again". This has happened previously when my 16 y/o was driving but we chalked it up to user error. Scheduled appointment with dealership. There were no warning lamps, no lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle just cut off and I have not been able to reproduce the issue.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
the digital gauge cluster suddenly black out and do not show any information such as speed, rpm, signal, etc at all. this is very serious issue for driver and passenger safety.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
Vehicle has no reverse. 21,750 miles and have been told by the dealer that it needs a transmission valve body which are unavailable at this time and it could be several months before they are able to obtain the valve body.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
Valve body needs replaced, been waiting over 10 weeks for replacement. Vehicle only has 28k miles and wouldn’t reverse or shift past 2nd gear.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
After a dealership repair to the rear differential, my 2022 GMC Yukon XL experienced a sudden driveline failure. A component detached underneath the vehicle, resulting in loss of control and immediate disablement. This occurred shortly after service and without warning. The vehicle is routinely driven at highway speeds while transporting multiple minor children. This appears to be a serious post-repair safety defect.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
Experienced a sudden loss of steering ability while driving, no collision occurred. Once the vehicle came to a stop still was unable to steer the vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
How the 2022 compares with other Yukon years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks third for owner complaints among 9 Yukon years, about 1.8 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine12669
- Electrical3413
- Transmission3123
- Steering85
- Fuel system54
- Wipers and visibility52
Where the 2022 fits in the Yukon's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the eighth model year of the Yukon's second generation (2015–2023).
It includes the 2020 update.
What changed for 2020
- Updated front and rear styling
- New technology features introduced
Recalls to confirm (5)
Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
26V085000TransmissionFeb 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
Risk: Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252536750. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
25V619000Fuel systemSep 2025
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 18, 2025.
25V274000EngineApr 2025
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
22V903000Exterior lightsDec 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
22V617000Seat beltsAug 2022
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
Also looking at these instead of a Yukon?
Cars shoppers compare with the GMC Yukon, with their own 2022 checklists.
2022 owner complaints, side by side
- Toyota Sequoia1
- Nissan Armada8
- Lincoln Navigator16
- Chevrolet Suburban83
- Cadillac Escalade110
- Chevrolet Tahoe151
- 2022 GMC Yukon248
